The 2nd Mosquito Alert Science Fair brings together a hundred students for a
morning of citizen science and public health in Madrid
On June 5th, the gardens of the National Museum of Natural Sciences of the CSIC in Madrid came alive
with ideas, enthusiasm, and scientific curiosity. The 2nd Science Fair of the Mosquito Alert educational
program was held, an event that gathered over a hundred students and 33 teachers from 24 schools
across 9 autonomous communities.
Creativity and citizen science defined a day full of solutions, reflections, and projects centered on a
pressing and vital topic: mosquitoes and their impact on health.
A day to share and celebrate what was learned
From midday onwards, students eagerly presented their projects, selected as the most outstanding from each school.
This year’s fair stood out for the intense exchange of experiences. It became a true meeting space where science served as a bridge for social interaction, critical thinking, and collective curiosity.
A jury with an educational vocation
This edition’s jury was made up of nine professionals with diverse backgrounds and recognized in science and public health, including researchers from various institutions: CEAB-CSIC, Pompeu Fabra University, CRESA-IRTA Institute, Barcelona Public Health Agency, University of Valladolid, and representatives from the National Museum of Natural Sciences.
All members share a deep commitment to science, education, outreach, and public health. Each category had its own evaluation team (see annex), and their task was not easy, as the quality of presentations improves year after year.
After presenting their projects, the groups enjoyed a guided tour of the CSIC’s National Museum of Natural Sciences while waiting for the jury’s deliberation. The visit to the biodiversity collections added a fascinating touch to the day’s experience.
A grand finale: awards ceremony at the CSIC Auditorium
The day concluded in the CSIC auditorium with a cheerful, fun, and friendly awards ceremony. The event was inaugurated by Pura Fernández, Deputy Vice President of Scientific Culture and Citizen Science at CSIC, who warmly welcomed the students with words that resonated throughout the room: “Welcome to the house of science,” she said in an inspiring speech defending public science and society’s involvement in the scientific world:
“Science fairs show that science is dialogue, sharing, teamwork. (…) But above all, in these times of
misinformation, it is absolutely necessary that we defend public science and, above all, defend
knowledge.”
The ceremony was hosted by Bryan Ferreras, Director of Activities and Projects at Xatrac, the association implementing the Mosquito Alert educational program with support from CEAB-CSIC, which also coordinates it.
Santi Escartín, Director of Xatrac, member of the Mosquito Alert team, and head of the educational program, began his speech by greeting nearly a thousand people who watched the ceremony via streaming, and by thanking the 2,250 program participants from 50 schools and the teachers who guided them throughout the process.
From there, the event was filled with laughter, applause, and recognition for projects that stood out not only for scientific rigor but also for creativity, communication skills, and teamwork.
AWARDED PROJECTS
Working groups
1º – CC Dominicas Villarrubia – Picadura Perfecta
2º – CEIP Romero Peña – Los Bichos Manolitos
3º – Colegio Virgen de Europa – Los Caza-Mosquitos
Class groups
1º – Santa Magdalena de Sofía
Special menction
CEIP Romero Peña – Los mosquitos Arcoíris
Scientific communicators
Working groups
1º – María Auxiliadora Algemesí – Misteris
2º – IES Ruiz Gijón – Los Chupimosquis
3º – Colegio La Magdalena – PALUMA
Class groups
1º – Institut Vilanova del Vallès
Special menction
Santa Magdalena de Sofía
Colegio San Antonio de Padua
Young Resaerchers
Working groups
1º – IES Ruiz Gijón – Los Mos-Kings
2º – IES Carpetania – DAS Investigadoras
3º – IES Pasqual Calbó – MosquitXX
Class groups
1º – Santa Magdalena de Sofía
Special menction
IESP de Ames – Neón
Colegio Marista Nuestra Señora del Carme:
The event, which could be followed via streaming, is available online [here].
A network that keeps growing
This gathering reflects an educational community that believes in science as a tool for social transformation. Thanks to the support of entities such as FECYT, the collaboration of ASPB, the CSIC’s Ciudad Ciencia program, and the backing of the Barcelona Citizen Science Office, the Mosquito Alert educational program continues to add schools, teachers, and youth committed to knowledge and the future.
Annex. Jury Members
Sample Collectors
– Laura Blanco, postdoctoral researcher at IRTA-CReSA, completed her PhD at CEABCSIC with the Mosquito Alert team.
– Gema Coronel, professor of Experimental Sciences Didactics at the Faculty of Education in Soria, passionate about teaching and “cultivating” curious minds. Co-founder of “Papoula,” a free pedagogy space.
– Tomás Montalvo, biologist and current Head of Urban Pest Surveillance and Control Service at the Barcelona Public Health Agency.
Scientific Communicators
– Isis Sanpera, PhD in biology and member of Mosquito Alert for five years, works in the entomology section conducting field sampling and scientific research.
– Albert Poveda, retired biology teacher, has participated in the Mosquito Alert educational program for four years,
among other educational projects.
– Rocío de Iriarte (MNCN-CSIC), PhD in neuroscience and Head of Scientific Outreach at the host museum.
Young Researchers
– Jesús Bellver, studied physics and mathematics and holds a PhD from the Sorbonne in mathematics applied to mosquito control. Works modeling, simulating, and optimizing larvicide treatments in Barcelona.
– Irene Borra, postdoctoral researcher at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, member of the Equality Committee of her center and the CSIC Scientific Education group.
-Marcia Eugenio-Gozalbo, professor of natural sciences and environmental education at the Faculty of
Education in Soria, part of the University of Valladolid.
